The Story Behind Eid-ul-Adha

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There was once a small family, Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) and his wife Bibi Sarah. Throughout most of his life, Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) couldn’t conceive from his wife Lady Sarah, however as time went by and they grew older, Lady Sarah told him he could marry and have a child with Bibi Hajira who was their slave at that time. Several months later Bibi Hajira became pregnant with Prophet Ibrahim’s (A.S) child Prophet Ismail (A.S). Finding difficulty to conceive all these years, Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) dearly loved his son and as Prophet Ismail (A.S) grew older, Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) kept having a dream that he was sacrificing his son, and after seeing that dream 3 times in a row, he knew that it was a test from Allah that he’s willing to take. Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) was willing to devote his dearest possession, his only son, to the will of Allah even though Satan had tempted him not to go through with the process (where he drove him away by throwing pebbles at him). After committing to the act, he decided to take Prophet Ismail’s (A.S) consent on the matter and surprisingly the young boy’s reaction was astonishing. He didn’t hesitate even for a second. He said, “Father, do what you have been commanded. You will find me, Insha'Allah (if Allah willing), to be very patient.” Of course this response showing commitment to Allah, deep faith, and maturity was exceptional. As Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) laid down his son and held a knife to his throat, Allah sent an angel from the sky with a ram (male sheep) that replaced Prophet Ismail (A.S) under the knife.

This is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an as follows:
"O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!" So We gave him the good news of a boy, possessing forbearance. And when (his son) was old enough to walk and work with him, (Abraham) said: O my dear son, I see in vision that I offer you in sacrifice: Now see what is your view!" (The son) said: "O my father! Do what you are commanded; if Allah wills, you will find me one practising patience and steadfastness!" So when they both submitted and he threw him down upon his forehead, We called out to him saying: O Ibraheem! You have indeed fulfilled the vision; surely thus do We reward those who do good. Most surely this was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice. And We perpetuated (praise) to him among the later generations. "Peace and salutation to Abraham!" Thus indeed do We reward those who do right. Surely he was one of Our believing servants.
[The Holy Qur'an; 37:100-111]


As a reward for this sacrifice, Allah then granted Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) the good news of the birth of his second son, Prophet Is-haaq (A.S).

The Holy Qur'an states:

And We gave him the good news of Is-haaq, a prophet from among the righteous. [Qur'an 37:112]


Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) had shown that his love for his Lord superseded all others: that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dearest to him in submission to Allah's command. Muslims around the globe commemorate this ultimate act of sacrifice every year during Eid al-Adha.


Thus on Eid al Adha we celebrate the great sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim's (A.S) gave to make to please Allah by sacrificing cattle and sharing it with family, neighbors, and the less fortunate.

[Written by: May Rostom]

Happy Eid ul Adha everyone!